Flip the Script: Gender stereotypes in the workplace - Men

Words are powerful. Many common words, phrases, and assumptions reflect implicit gender bias in the workplace and can strengthen gender stereotypes and norms. To create effective gender partnerships, examine the language you’re using and avoid phrases that reinforce restrictive norms of masculinity and undermine men’s ability, willingness, or options to engage in a full range of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors at work.

This resource includes scripts for five common assumptions:

1. “He’s so nice but I just don’t think he’s got the stomach for leadership.”
2. “Suck it up and be a man.”
3. “You can stay late, right? I figured your wife watches the kids.”
4. “What could he possibly contribute to our women’s employee resource group?”
5. “This is the way things are done. The best person gets the job.”

1. Pay attention - Start to notice how you talk about the abilities, qualities, and behaviors of people at work. Do you use different language when speaking about people depending on their gender?
2. Question yourself - Reflect on judgments you make on colleagues and direct reports. Are you unintentionally reinforcing gender stereotypes?
3. Be accountable - Reach out and seek honest, constructive feedback to learn when and how your words may be harmful or perpetuate gender stereotypes. Be willing to interrupt sexism and gender bias when you see it and provide feedback to others to help them learn, too

How to cite this product: Flip the script: Gender stereotypes in the workplace – men. (2024). Catalyst.